X5 M - top speed with M Driver's Package

[RTC]

I thought you might enjoy this.

GPS measured 275 kph precisely (I was actually hoping for a few kph more but it seems the electronics kick in precisely at 275, the official BMW M GmbH claim for the M Driver's package).

At this speed (172 mph), the X5 M feels very stable and safe, steering doesn't feel too light at all. The brakes are very good and handle the speed/weight of the X5 M very well, no rubbing or other annoyances.

Also very surprising: the X5 M gets to this speed pretty fast, thanks to the powerful engine and the 6-speed auto tranny with a "true" 6th driving gear. In most new trucks with 8-speed auto tranny, the 8th speed is actually for fuel saving, the top speed is usually reached in the 7th gear.

Best example: we had a short X5 M vs. new Cayenne Turbo comparison last weekend and while the new Cayenne Turbo is practically head to head with the X5 M up to 200 kph (125 mph)...on two runs the X5 M was almost half a car length ahead but I guess this doesn't really count...at around 270 kph on the speedo, the X5 M was already two car lengths ahead of the Cayenne Turbo. Reminder: the Cayenne Turbo has 500 HP only but weights a lot less than the X5 M and it has a 8 speed auto tranny.